#NASCAR Racing Team Owner Dies in Huntersville Traffic Accident
The owner of a NASCAR racing team died in a crash over the weekend in Huntersville, police said. Shigeaki Hattori, of Mooresville, was driving a 2025 Toyota Crown at about 9:15 a.m. Saturday when he was involved in the two-vehicle wreck on N.C. Highway 73 near McGuire Nuclear Station Road.
Hattori founded Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) in 2008 and has fielded entries, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series, according to its website.
On Saturday, Hattori crossed the center line on Highway 73 and crashed into an oncoming 2024 Lexus GX550.
Hattori died at the scene. The driver of the Lexus was taken to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators do not believe speed or impairment were factors in the crash.
— Hattori Racing (@Hattori_Racing) April 7, 2025
“We are heartbroken to confirm that Shigeaki ‘Shige’ Hattori was pronounced deceased on the morning of Saturday, April 5, in Huntersville, N.C., following a motor vehicle accident,” HRE said in a Monday statement. “… Shige was known for his relentless drive, focus and competitive spirit. Team ownership through HRE and Hattori Motorsports had become both his passion and his life’s work. He had a unique gift to constantly inject a light-hearted attitude and one-of-a-kind sense of humor into his race teams that will never be forgotten. We’ll miss you dearly. Farewell, Shige.”Photo: .
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Hattori family. Shige Hattori was a great friend to many at JGR, especially Coy Gibbs. We had the fortune of building truck engines for Hattori Racing, capped off by winning the NASCAR Truck Championship in 2018 (that’s Shige standing on the… pic.twitter.com/At8GUoubj2
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) April 7, 2025
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